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THE Isle of Wight Labour Party has today (Monday) announced its 2015 general election candidate.

Ventnor town councillor Stewart Blackmore was overwhelmingly chosen by party members at selection meetings held in Newport and Sandown last week, according to party chair Deborah Gardiner.

She said: "I am delighted Stewart has been selected to be our candidate. He really understands Island issues such as the need for economic development, quality jobs to support the most vulnerable through decent services and how essential it is to offer young people a reason to stay here.

"He has already demonstrated how much he has to offer the community and I am confident he has the experience, commitment and vision to make an excellent Labour MP."

Mr Blackmore, a former hospitality lecturer who now manages Ventnor Golf Club, is chairman of Ventnor British Legion and vice president of Ventnor Rugby Football Club.

He will take on sitting Conservative MP Andrew Turner and UKIP candidate Iain McKie. No other candidates have yet thrown their names into the ring.

Mr Blackmore said: "I am very proud to have been chosen by my Labour Party colleagues and I look forward to campaigning over the next 15 months persuading Islanders to return an Isle of Wight Labour MP who will truly represent all Islanders' interests."

Mr Blackmore has lived on the Island for 28 years and is married to Margaret, a senior care worker. They have two grown up children, a son and a daughter.